Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
As people were being urged to stay at home and practice social distancing in a bid to stay safe during this difficult time, the isolation stirred up new skill sets and hobbies within them.
Some ‘quarantiners’ picked up paint brushes and expressed themselves on canvases while others whipped up culinary creations that they never dreamed of trying before.
However, even with this time for self-reflection and creative growth, people were still missing one thing…social connection. Hence, chain messages and emails returned from the days of old to feed and nourish the soul, with one in particular going viral called Quarantine Cooking Recipe Exchange.
The cooking chain said: “As the world is social distancing right now, many of us are experimenting in our kitchens to help pass the time. You have been invited to be a part of the Quarantine Cooking Recipe Exchange.
“Please send a recipe to the person whose name is in position #1 (even if you don’t know them) and it should be something quick, easy and without rare ingredients. Actually, the best one is the one you know in your head and can type right now. Don’t agonise over it... It is the recipe you make when you are short on time.
“After you’ve sent your recipe to the person in position #1, copy this WhatsApp into a new message, move (my name, as in the person who sent it to you) to the top and put your name in position #2.
“Only my and your name should show when you send your message. Send to 20 friends via WhatsApp.
“You should receive 36 recipes. It’s fun to see where they come from! Seldom does anyone drop out because we all need new ideas. The turnaround is fast, as there are only two names on the list and you only have to do this once.
“In the meantime, stay safe, stay healthy and stay home. Happy #QuarantineCooking.”
People loved the idea because it promoted social interaction. It started conversations and built new relationships with like-minded people or fellow food lovers. Family recipes were being passed around globe.
One said foodie is Maria Shakeel. The 26-year-old living in Saudi Arabia, has always cooked for her family and is now experimenting with new flavours.
“Now that we have ample time, I have started to find an interest in trying out different flavours and finding unique recipes to cook up,” said the new mum who received her Masters from the Indian Academy in Bahrain. “I like to cook all kinds of foods. My husband is a big foodie so I’m always trying new recipes. I have found baking so therapeutic as well. My family loves to have desserts after meals and I love to make exotic cakes and sweets.”
Maria has been sharing her recipes with her relatives through WhatsApp as well as posting them on her account @maria_shxkeel on Instagram.
She believes this recipe exchange is a fun way to keep people connected, start new-found friendships as well as keep people feeling positive.
She said: “I love that people are enjoying my recipes. It’s as though I’m cooking for them myself and people can always message me about them if they have any questions.
“All this time we have is a chance to better ourselves. There is time to read that book, watch that movie and focus on our health.
“Though these times are hard, I believe strongly there is always light at the end of the tunnel and make sure to focus more on the positives!”
